4-min read
Typical goal setting mistakes and how to fix them
Various sources, methods and even apps are available to support you if you
Many of us set new goals in January each
Somewhere along the way, after
Why did you
Let me share with you the common mistakes in goal setting, and these have very little to do with an app:
based on an impulse;goals are set - you think goal setting is like writing a daily to
list;do - goals listed as you would prepare your shopping list;
- you can only achieve your goal by doing something you really don’t fancy;
- you think achieving the goal will sort out your life;
- the goal is shiny and fantastic, and it is so far from you as the moon and the stars
but when you talk about… everyone admires you for having such a great adventure ahead of you;it - you set a goal, because your friend
s) or significant other set the( same goal andvery they are doingby the way well in achieving it;quite can achieve the goal whenyou or standing on one leg, singing a song and juggle three apples at the same time.sleeping,
Probably I could extend the list with
Devastating, I know…
Let’s
Goals are set based on an impulse
New year resolutions, unless you built a habit of them, are good examples of such goal setting. However, you may experience this phenomenon when you buy a treadmill, because you saw an inspiring video. It convinced you running is the best option for you to lose weight.
You are setting a goal in a mood for changing things quickly and/or in a hopeful moment.
Goals listed as items on a shopping list
What is wrong with the shopping list type of goal setting?
Basically, you list things you would like to buy, rather than to achieve/earn and you think
I give you an example, which is coming from one of my friends. His goal list started with get a new sports car this year.
He was thinking about an
You set goals as you would write a to do list
A to
You can only achieve your goal by doing something you really don’t fancy
Doing the Ironman triathlon is an impressive goal unless you have hydrophobia, or losing 22 pounds in 2 months can be very challenging if you know you are not ready to leave your favourite foods behind and find alternatives.
You think achieving the goal will sort out your life
While losing
Many believe they just need to change their clothes, earn big money, or have cool
You set a goal, because your friend( s) or significant other set the very same goal
Friends can show you a good example inspire you, root for you and be with you in the moments when you need them most. Doing things together is fun and strengthens your
The goal is shiny and fantastic, and it is so far from you as the moon and the stars
Being a billionaire in a
Should your friends not see you this way, your goal will sound as bragging and may damage your relationships. Maybe your friends already know, you like to set big goals, which you abandon later. If that is the case and you are just fed up others not taking you seriously,
You can achieve the goal when sleeping, or standing on one leg, singing a song and juggle three apples at the same time
Setting a goal of being promoted this year, when you already know the promotion is on its way is not only naughty, but unhelpful
I shared with you the most common mistakes in goal setting, so you may be curious to know the better ways of setting goals.
Let’s start with understanding how setting goals for your life is different. As you are achieving
Talking about life path sounds more serious than just setting goals, isn’t it? Your life is
If you asked me whether there are golden rules for goal setting, I would probably hesitate saying there are, because I saw many people successfully set goals in
Set goals that make you feel you are going in a good direction
Setting goals helps you stay focussed and allows you to take and/or increase control over your life. It also will make you more structured and will improve your memory.
Each goal you set may or may not fit in the big picture of your life. Why not choose the ones that fit?
Once you
Set goals that relate to your priorities and target areas in your life where you identified a gap and will aid your efforts in building your skills and improve your life situation.
Make your goals measurable
Sense of achievement comes when
- you know what you want to deliver and how your success will look like;
also , you have a plan ofaction finally , you deliver on your plan.
Set goals that motivate you, but don’t make you struggle
Goal achievement requires dedication and to keep progressing your motivational level needs to stay high. To achieve that you need to
When you don’t have this, you risk postponing what you need to do to make the goal a reality or accomplish so easily that the goal will not give you a sense of achievement, leaving you feeling disappointed.
I set my goals in details, and include why I want to achieve the goal, where achieving it will take me and how it will help me
Record you goals and your progress
Writing a list of your goals, recording the deadlines you set for yourself and create a habit of looking at your goals periodically will help you maintain focus.
I
Make an action plan
Develop a plan of actions
A good plan is clear, simple and logical and includes just as much detail, that is necessary for you to understand and remember what the steps mean.
You can write your plan on a paper, develop it in a spreadsheet or in a project planning application, or if you are in a very creative
Make things happen
Even the shiniest plan will sadly sit
Difficulties, challenges will always come into your way. Some people will be helpful, others may have priorities conflicting yours. Keep up a positive attitude and build and rely on helpful relationships. If you would like to learn more about building and maintaining helpful
Enjoy and celebrate the progress and small successes even
I am not saying you should throw a party every time when you could raise your workout time by 5 minutes, but remind yourself of the good job you are doing and use the achievement as a building block to the next one. Learn from professionals to
Cover photo by Hannah Olinger on